NBC’s hit Western, Bonanza is one of the greatest shows in television history. After fourteen seasons, audiences parted ways with the Cartwrights and the rest of the crew in 1973. Of course, most know that this 1860s Western gained critical acclaim. So, we’re here to share the crucial stuff: all of the behind the scenes Bonanza tidbits and tension you had no idea about…
The Meaning Behind The Name
Perhaps, you never knew but “Bonanza” is miners slang for ore or just a large mineral deposit. Basically, Bonanza means jackpot. Thus, the show is named after the Comstock Lode the Cartwrights lived adjacent to. Therefore, the jackpot was all that silver was conveniently next to their ranch. In real-life, a bonanza was found very close to the actual location of the Cartwright’s ranch! What a weird coincidence.
The Meaning Behind The Name
Cartwright Curse
No female character survived beyond a few episodes! Female characters left town or died shortly after being introduced. We never even met any of the three wives Pa, Ben Cartwright, had prior to the show’s start! Actor Michael Landon (Little Joe) loved this bizarre tradition, claiming the family was cursed. At least someone found character deaths entertaining!
Cartwright Curse
Second Best Dad
One of the producers, David Dortort desperately wanted to change the typical sitcom dad he felt was always a moron. Guess, he did a great job with Mr. Cartwright! Lorne Greene’s portrayal of Mr. Cartwright gained world fame. Actually, he received letters from kids across the globe asking if he would be their father. Aw, how sweet! He ranked as the second best television dad in American history.
Second Best Dad
First Choice for Adam Cartwright
Maybe you know him as John Robinson from Lost in Space, but Guy Williams was supposed to be Adam Cartwright. Before he could respond to Bonanza, he ended up joining Zorro‘s cast. Although he was able to join Bonanza for five episodes to play cousin Will Cartwright.
First Choice For Adam Cartwright
Roberts hated Bonanza
Yes, it’s true. Roberts, who played Adam Cartwright, was not the biggest fan of the show. In fact, he said it not only glorified wealth, but was demeaning towards woman and overall, low brow humor. After pushing for changes in the script, he just left the show to join a theater company. The show said Adam went to sea to explain his absence.
Roberts Hated Bonanza
Mysterious Death
Between his cooking books and guest appearances on cooking shows, Victor Sen Yung kept busy. Yeah, the cook, Hop Sing, was an acclaimed chef in real life too! Tragically, he was found dead in 1980 at home and authorities noted it as, “mysterious circumstances.” Upon investigating, they uncovered he died of asphyxiation due to a faulty stove’s gas killing him in his sleep. He died before finishing his second cookbook.
Mysterious Death
Landon Appeared in Over 400 Episodes
Actor Michael Landon was so dedicated to playing the youngest Cartwright he appeared in almost every episode! Actually, there’s only 14 episodes little Joe is not featured in. Thus, he starred in a total of 416 episodes! In addition, he even wrote and directed his own Bonanza episodes.
Landon Appeared In Over 400 Episodes
One Of The Most Recurring Character
Out of the many characters, Roy Coffee was one who appeared very often. In total, he appeared on 98 episodes! Ray Teal played Coffee, who was the sheriff of Virginia City and a likable guy. In Teal’s acting career, he appeared in more than 250 movies and over 90 TV shows.
One Of The Most Recurring Characters
No Lead Characters
The show’s producers went the extra mile to ensure every character balanced out. Each of the four stars, Joe, Hoss, Ben and Adam all had about the same amount of time on screen. Actually, they even switched up the order of their names in the credits. Every one of them was paid more than their fair share! We’re sure dental implants were no big deal for those well-paid actors!
No Lead Characters
Lorne Greene’s Music Career
Lorne Greene achieved his own musical success after the show. He released the single, “Ringo,” which became a number one hit in North America, and he sang the show’s theme song. In addition, he recorded a fictional history called “Saga of the Ponderosa.”
Lorne Greene’s Music Career
M*A*S*H
Only two years before the world tragically lost Dan Blocker, Robert Altman was considering him for an unknown lead in the hit show M*A*S*H. Sadly, Altman didn’t get permission for casting Dan and thus, we never got to see him on the show.
M*A*S*H
One of the most expensive shows in TV history
Anytime a show is done as a period piece, like this 1860s-based show, costs are generally high. Out of all period piece shows, this was the most expensive. Well, you have to remember that at the time the $150,000 production price per episode was fairly high. Luckily, it paid off big time! We’re talking cosmetic dentist appointments for all! If they wanted, actors could easily afford laser teeth whitening and maybe liposuction, if that’s what they desired.
One Of The Most Expensive Shows In TV History
Time Slot Almost Killed the Show
Listen, Bonanza was no SNL and in fact, the original Saturday night time slot almost led the show to failure. Before it got canceled, they changed the time to Sunday night. Miraculously, by the mid 1960s it began succeeding. Actually, it did more than survive, it thrived at number one across the nation!
Time Slot Almost Killed The Show
King Arthur Inspired Developer David Dort
Apparently, David Dort hoped to model the Cartwrights after the grand legend of none other than King Arthur. Surely, an interesting spin on a family in a western. Did you notice any of the connections? Dort pictured Ben Carwright as the Arthur figure, leading his children or knights through life!
King Arthur Inspired Developer David Dort
Same costumes in every episode
One way they cut costs on this already ridiculously expensive show was to reuse costumes. All the actors stayed in the same exact outfit. It also had the effect of building an iconic image of each character. We just hope someone was doing the laundry frequently after those long shoots!
Same Costumes In Every Episode
Utilizing unknown actors
With the invention of color TV, producers predicted stars would be born overnight. Thus, they decided to choose unknown actors to cut costs, even for the leading roles. Smart move!
Utilizing Unknown Actors
Dan Blocker set records
In his county of Bowie, Texas, Dan Blocker shattered the record for the heaviest baby. He was born at a whopping fourteen pounds! Holy cow! His mother must have been quite the trooper.
Dan Blocker Set Records
Bonanza buffet
That record-setting baby went on to star in one of the most famous westerns. Ironically, he also founded the Bonanza buffets that opened in the 1960s. You can still enjoy a meal at one of them today!
Bonanza Buffet
Where did Michael Landon get his stage name?
How did Eugene Maurice Orowitz become Michael Landon? Naturally, he picked up a phone book and found the stage name that suited him best. Thus, he settled on Michael Landon since someone in the Screen Actors Guild already had Michael Lane.
Where Did Michael Landon Get His Stage Name?
First ever young male star to be killed off
Recently, with Grey’s Anatomy and Game of Thrones, audiences can practically guarantee a death per episode. Well, back during Bonanza‘s time this was not the case. Unfortunately, when Dan Blocker passed away after season thirteen, producers had a decision to make. Thus, they wrote Hoss off, making this the first ever death of a young male on network TV.
First Ever Young Male Star To Be Killed Off
Dan Blocker’s figure led him to acting
As a first grader, Blocker weighed a hefty one hundred pounds. Therefore, he got invited to play a role in Arsenic and Old Lace. Well, Blocker joined because of his interest in a girl but ended up falling in love with acting.
Dan Blocker’s Figure Led Him To Acting
The show almost ended after one season!
Due to competition with the show Perry Mason, the show almost got cancelled early on during their debut year. Thankfully, NBC persevered and worked to achieve better ratings. What a difference it made too!
The Show Almost Ended After One Season!
Most of the Cast Wore Wigs
This next choice was not purely aesthetic. Actually, due to actors hair changing colors and thinning, most of the cast needed toupees and wigs. I guess that’s a good problem to have considering how long the show ran!
Most Of The Cast Wore Wigs
They Developed a Theme Park!
It wasn’t just show inspired restaurants that opened in real life. In 1967, producers opened a theme park in Nevada! Guests can come enjoy a recreation of the set and even decide to tie the knot there if they want! Wow, you can really do it all there.
They Developed A Theme Park!
Trouble on Set
Tensions rose towards the end of the show. Michael Landon constantly fought with the production team. He desperately tried to sway the show’s direction based on his artistic vision. These fights led to many delays.
Trouble On Set
Decade Old Costumes
Through seasons four to fourteen, you notice the main stars wore the exact clothes each episode. It wasn’t just to save more money on this costly production. In fact, this helped speed the process of shooting and even editing.
Decade Old Costumes
Bonanza Was One of the First Color Shows
Due to the partnership with RCA, NBC used Bonanza to increase the sale of the new and innovative color TV sets. This affiliation with RCA proved mutually beneficial.
Bonanza Was One Of The First Color Shows
Trendsetter
Not your average, good versus evil, Bonanza actually confronted real life dilemmas. Therefore, the show became one of the first of its kind to confront more serious issues. Bonanza brought up things like social justice and even racism.
Trendsetter
Bonanza/Star Trek crossover
Calling all Trekkies! Almost all the actors from Star Trek (1966) guest starred on the show. Yes, that includes stars like James Doohan, William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy and more! So it was basically a right of passage for the cast to appear on Bonanza.
Bonanza/Star Trek Crossover
Michael Landon blocked new characters
As we discussed, Landon had quite a few issues behind the scenes. When the show tried to bring on new characters, that was no exception to his usual behavior. He refused to allow any new actors to be written into the script. Thus, causing in-fighting between him and the producers.
Michael Landon Blocked New Characters
Bonanza used two names
Before DVR, onDemand and Netflix, producers had to be creative when reruns coincided with new episodes. Thus, to avoid confusion during the overlap, they played reruns under Ponderosa. New episodes continued to use the show’s original name.
Bonanza Used Two Names
Landon helps with David Canary
Despite his difficulty, Landon proved useful to the show. When David Canary left because of contract disputes, it was Landon who convinced him to return. Canary went on to star in the soap opera, All My Children for close to two decades.
Landon Helps With David Canary
Big Stars Avoided
Knowing that color TV had the capability to launch careers, producers stuck with unknowns for the cast. In hindsight, we know that was the best decision since much of the cast did become internationally known.
Big Stars Avoided
Landon Wore Heels During Filming
Hey, 5 foot 9 inches doesn’t sound too bad to us. Apparently Landon’s height needed a bit of a boost. He wore heels on the set in addition to lifts inside his boots.
Landon Wore Heels During Filming
Restaurant Chain
As mentioned, Blocker started a buffet chain. These Ponderosa/Bonanza Steakhouses opened in Indiana during the 1960s. They even expanded as far as Canada!
Restaurant Chain
Second Longest-Running Western in TV History
At fourteen seasons long, Bonanza took second for longest-running western. Hey, number two isn’t too shabby! With just one more season, Gunsmoke holds the title of longest-running western.
Second Longest-Running western In TV History
Bonanza is Landon’s Breakout Role
Although he disagreed with much of the production team, Landon has to thank Bonanza for launching his career. Afterwards, he starred in Little House on the Prairie and Highway to Heaven. Thus, making him the only actor to star in TV shows running consecutively for five years.
Bonanza Is Landon’s Breakout Role
First Globally Accepted TV Series
Well, as we mentioned, kids worldwide wanted Mr. Cartwright to be their father. Hey, kids weren’t the only fans. Bonanza received worldwide acclaim! It became the only show to air worldwide.
First Globally Accepted TV Series
Where’s Mark Twain?
Which Virginia City native is more iconic than author Samuel Langhorne Clemens, aka Mark Twain? No one! Therefore, we aren’t quite sure why this famous author who lived in the same place at the exact same time wasn’t a feature in the show. Go figure!
Where’s Mark Twain?
Theater Play
The only theatrical releases of the show were in Mexico. The two part episdode, “Ride the Wind” was released in a full performance titled, “Jinetes del Viento.”
Theater Play
First Inspiration
Back when creator/producer David Dortort wrote for Fireside Theatre in the 1950s, he came up with Bonanza. In fact, while he wrote an episode called “Man of the Comstock,” the idea first came to him.
First Inspiration
Musically Gifted
Most of the show’s stars recorded albums at some point. Then in 1964, the four actors who played the Cartwrights sang on “Christmas at the Ponderosa.” Fans loved the holiday album! Also, don’t forget the talented Lorne Greene sang the show’s theme song.
Musically Gifted
Johnny Cash and the Theme Song
The original version of the Bonanza theme song featured the stars singing on it. Sadly, that version never made it to the public. What did make it was the Johnny Cash cover of the theme song! Hey, we aren’t complaining!
Johnny Cash And The Theme Song
Chevrolet Partnership
Another profitable partnership was the one with Chevrolet. If you were wondering where such a high budget show got funds from, look no further than the car company Chevy. Many actors from the show also made appearances in their commercials.
Chevrolet Partnership